Container lid with integral gripping surface

ABSTRACT

A container and lid assembly including a lid having a central opening, a non-opaque member covering the central opening, one or more characters printed on the non-opaque member, and a reflective member below and spaced apart from the non-opaque member to provide a holograph-like image of the printed character. A resilient gripping ring is provided on the outer periphery of the lid.

This invention relates to a container lid for liquids, creams and the like, and in particular to a lid that includes a resilient gripping ring to facilitate opening the container. In another aspect the invention can provide a holograph-like image when viewed from the top.

Many grooming and healthcare products are sold in jars or other containers with a removable and re-sealable lid. The lid can be either threaded or a snap type fit. It can often be difficult to open a jar or container, particularly when being opened for the first time. The difficulty can arise because the lid typically has a smooth finished surface that can be slippery, especially if the lid or a person's hands are wet.

In many instances the upper surface of the lid includes the product name, logo, or other text or images. Companies continually look for packaging that attracts the attention of shoppers, and which also distinguishes their product from those of the competition. Until now the options available have been limited.

This invention provides a container having a lid that includes a resilient gripping surface around the perimeter of the lid, and which provides a comfortable, slip-resistant surface that eases the opening of the container. In another embodiment the lid provides a novel, attractive and distinctive container appearance by presenting a “holographic” type of appearance to a cap or lid, and does so without the expense of actually manufacturing a holographic label or panel.

The invention is embodied in a lid assembly as illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. Turning now to the drawings the invention will be described in greater detail.

A lid according to the invention lid is shown generally at 12, and is designed to engage the threaded top of a typical container (not shown). The lid 12 includes rim 13 and threads 14 that mate with the corresponding threads formed on the container. In other embodiments lid 12 could include a snap flange or other means of connecting to the container.

Lid 12 includes a resilient peripheral gripping ring 24 on the outer surface of lid 12 that provides for easy gripping and opening of the lid 12. Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, ring 24 preferably includes multiple dimples 26 or other surface features that promote ready gripping and moving of the lid. Ring 24 is made of a soft polymeric material or rubber, although the invention is not limited to any specific material.

Lid 12 includes a lower internal shoulder 16 on which a reflective panel 17 is mounted. Rim 16 includes an upper peripheral shoulder 18 on which a transparent or translucent panel 19 is mounted in a position spaced above reflective panel 17. Whether of not fitted with a gripping ring 24, a top transparent layer 21 is adhered to panel 19, and includes graphics or a logo 20 printed thereon. If gripping ring 24 is present, layer 21 extends over the inner edge of the gripping ring 24.

When viewed from above as shown in FIG. 2, the lid assembly presents a holographic-type appearance that includes the graphics 20 on panel 19 and a shadow 22 of graphics 20 on reflective panel 17. This holograph-like image presented by the lid is a significant advantage over the prior art in that it presents a distinctive and interesting appearance on the lid without significant added expense.

FIGS. 3A-6 provide additional views and more specific information regarding various aspects, curvatures and dimensions of preferred embodiments of the invention.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is manufactured by a novel two-step molding method. A mold is provided that includes a first volume defining a peripheral, curved lid portion corresponding to the resilient gripping ring 24, and a second volume corresponding to the remainder of the body 13 of lid 12. In alternate embodiments the resilient gripping ring 24 is formed in a first step, and body 13 is then molded in a second step without the need to remove the previously formed resilient gripping ring 24 from the mold.

The embodiments described above are intended to be illustrative of the invention, and not to limit the invention. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the embodiments described above could be modified without departing from the scope of the invention. 

1. A container and lid, comprising in combination: a container having a top rim defining an opening; a lid engageable with the rim for sealing the container, the lid including a resilient external peripheral shoulder, a non-opaque center portion, and threads for engaging the vessel; a sealing member between the lid to the rim, and which includes a first major surface visible through the non-opaque center portion of the lid.
 2. A container and lid according to claim 1 further comprising: at least one printed character on the non-opaque center portion of the lid; and, the major surface of the sealing member visible through the non-opaque center portion of the lid and displaying a shadow of at least a portion of the at least one printed character.
 3. A container and lid according to claim 2 further comprising the sealing member adhered to a surface of the lid.
 4. A container and lid according to claim 2 further comprising the sealing member adhered to the container rim.
 5. A container and lid according to claim 2 further comprising the sealing member being removable to expose a material in the container.
 6. A container and lid according to claim 2 further comprising a non-opaque layer adhered to the lid and including at least one printed character.
 7. A container and lid according to claim 2 wherein the non-opaque center portion of the lid comprises: an opening in the center portion of the lid defined by a peripheral shoulder, the peripheral shoulder having an upper surface and a lower surface; a non-opaque member mounted on the peripheral shoulder upper surface; and, a reflective member mounted on the peripheral shoulder lower surface.
 8. A container and lid according to claim 7 wherein the reflective member includes a lower major surface adapted for sealing engagement with the container rim.
 9. A container and lid according to claim 2 wherein the non-opaque center portion of the lid comprises: an opening in the center portion of the lid defined by a peripheral shoulder, the peripheral shoulder having an upper surface and a lower surface; a non-opaque member mounted on the peripheral shoulder upper surface; and, a reflective member mounted on the container rim, and removeable to expose the interior of the container. 